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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

Commission file number 0-13257
State of Incorporation: Minnesota
IRS Employer Identification No. 41-1681094
Executive Offices: 1120 Wayzata Blvd E., Suite 201, Wayzata, MN 55391
Telephone number: (952) 345-2244

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý  No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Yes ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of $3.60 per share, was $3,294,115 on June 30, 2012.

         Shares of common stock outstanding at February 28, 2013: 2,742,992.

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Shareholders' Meeting have been incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. The Proxy Statement is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10K

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

PART I

ITEM 1.        BUSINESS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

        We are a Minnesota corporation organized in December 1990, filing annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 340 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, who file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

GENERAL

        We are an Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) contract manufacturing company with our headquarters in Wayzata, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. We maintain facilities in Minnesota including Bemidji, Blue Earth, Milaca, Mankato, Baxter, and Merrifield; as well as Augusta, Wisconsin and Monterrey, Mexico. We offer a full service of value-added technical and manufacturing services and support including design, testing, prototyping, and supply chain management. Our manufacturing services include complete medical devices, printed circuit board assemblies, wire and cable assemblies, and complex higher level electromechanical assemblies. The vast majority of our revenue is derived from products built to the customer's design specifications.

        Our breadth of manufacturing, technical expertise and experience make us very attractive to our broad customer base. Many of our customers are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the Aerospace and Defense, Medical and Industrial markets. The diversity in the markets we serve is an advantage in dealing with the effects of fluctuations from the economy and competition. In the design phase, we provide technical support, expertise in design for manufacturing and testing capabilities that allow our customer programs to get to production faster while meeting both their quality and cost requirements. Our customers rely on our expertise in manufacturing and supply chain to manage and reduce cost over the life cycle of their products. This requires a strong relationship with our customers based on a trusting partnership as we perform as an extension of their operations.

ACQUISITIONS

        On January 1, 2011, we completed the purchase of certain assets and certain liabilities relating to Winland Electronics, Inc.'s EMS operations (Winland) located in Mankato, MN. Winland is a designer and manufacturer of custom electronic control products and systems. This purchase provided needed manufacturing capacity, particularly for supporting medical and industrial customers with printed circuit board assemblies and higher-level builds. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and results of operations since the date of acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements.

        The following table presents the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values at the time of the acquisition:

        We recognized a $791,615 bargain purchase gain related to the excess fair value over the purchase price for the assets acquired in the first quarter of 2011.

        In December 2012, we purchased the Winland Electronics building in Mankato, Minnesota for $2,650,000 which we had previously leased for $304,500 annually.

BUSINESS SEGMENT

        All of our operations fall under the Contract Manufacturing segment within the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry. We strategically direct production between our various manufacturing facilities based on a number of considerations to best meet our customers' requirements. We share resources for

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sales, marketing, engineering, supply chain, information services, human resources, payroll, and all corporate accounting functions. Our financial information is consolidated and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in assessing performance and allocating resources.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

        The EMS industry has evolved into a dynamic, high-tech global electronics contract services industry. We continue to expand our capabilities to better meet these changing market requirements. Along with offering technical expertise in our quality processes, design applications and testing, we are also increasing our focus on supplier-managed inventory services and the cost drivers throughout the supply chain. Our Mexico operation allows us to take advantage of lower-cost alternatives for our customers and remain competitive in the marketplace.

        We continue to pursue acquisitions, mergers, and/or joint ventures of companies in the EMS industry to remain competitive, grow our customer base and increase revenues. Our strategic objectives and our history have been based on both organic and acquired growth.

        Our quality systems and processes are based on International Standards Organization (ISO) standards with all facilities certified to the latest version of the ISO 9001 and/or Aerospace Systems (AS) 9100 standards. We also have ISO 13485 certification which recognizes our quality management systems applicable to contract design, manufacture and repair of assemblies for the medical industry. Our Milaca operation is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registered facility. We believe these certifications and registrations benefit our customer base and increase our chances of attracting new business opportunities.

        We are committed to quality, cost effectiveness and responsiveness to customer requirements. To achieve these objectives we have invested in Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS/lead free) processing, equipment, plant capacity studies, people, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and lean manufacturing and supply chain management techniques at our facilities. We are committed to continuous improvement and have invested in training our people to identify and act on improvement opportunities. We maintain a diversified customer base and expand into other capabilities and services when there is a fit with our core competencies and strategic vision.

MARKETING

        We concentrate our marketing efforts in the Aerospace and Defense, Medical and Industrial markets. Our marketing strategy emphasizes the breadth of our manufacturing, supply chain and engineering services and reflects the complete turnkey solution for meeting our customers' current and future requirements. Our strength is managing low volume, high mix customer demand. This requires us to have close customer relationships and operational flexibility to manage the variation of product demands.

        Our customer emphasis continues to be on mature companies, which require an electronic manufacturing partner with a high degree of manufacturing and quality sophistication, including statistical process control (SPC), statistical quality control (SQC), ISO, Military Specifications (Mil Spec), AS 9100 and FDA facility registration. We continue efforts to penetrate our existing customer base and expand market opportunities with participation in industry publications and selected trade shows. We target customers who value proven manufacturing performance, design and application engineering expertise and who value the flexibility to manage the supply chain of a high mix of products and services. We market our services through our in-house sales force and independent manufacturers' representatives.

SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS

        We currently purchase the majority of our electronic components directly from electronic component manufacturers and large electronic distributors. On occasion some of our components may be placed on a stringent allocation basis; however, we are not currently experiencing any major material purchasing or availability problems.

MAJOR CUSTOMERS

        Our largest customer has two divisions that collectively account for 24% and 23% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

PATENTS AND LICENSES

        We are not presently dependent on a proprietary product requiring licensing, patent, copyright or trademark protection. There are no revenues derived from a service-related business for which patents, licenses,

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copyrights and trademark protection are necessary for successful operations.

COMPETITION

        The contract manufacturing EMS industry's competitive makeup includes small closely held contract manufacturing companies, large global full-service contract manufacturers, company-owned in-house manufacturing facilities and foreign contract manufacturers. We do not believe that the small closely held operations pose a significant competitive threat in the markets and customers we serve, as they generally do not have the complete manufacturing and engineering services or capabilities required by our target customers. We do believe the larger global full service and foreign manufacturers are more focused on higher volume customer engagements and we do not see them as our primary competition. We continue to see opportunities with OEM companies that have their own in-house electronic manufacturing capabilities as they evaluate their internal costs and investments against outsourcing to contract manufacturers. The willingness of foreign manufacturers to "stock" finished product at warehouse locations in the United States is a competitive advantage, however, their inability to react to engineering, product or schedule changes is a disadvantage and plays into our strength. We do see trends of the low volume, high mix customer demand going to a regional supply base. For North American manufacturing, this is a good fit with our US operations and our Mexico operation.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

        We perform research and development for customers on an as requested and program basis for development of conceptual engineering and design activities prior to manufacturing the products. We did not expend significant dollars in 2012 or 2011 on company-sponsored product research and development.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW COMPLIANCE

        We believe that our manufacturing facilities are currently operating under compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws. We have incurred, and plan to continue incurring, the necessary expenditures for compliance with applicable laws. Any environmental-oriented equipment is capitalized and depreciated over a seven-year period. The annualized depreciation expense for this type of environmental equipment is insignificant.

EMPLOYEES

        We have 641 full-time and 76 part-time/temporary employees as of December 31, 2012. Manufacturing personnel, including direct, indirect support and sales functions, comprise 615 employees, while general administrative employees total 26. At December 31, 2011 we had 710 full-time and 97 part-time/temporary employees. The decrease is due to adjusting to customer demand and attrition.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES

        We have a leased manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico with approximately $389,000 in long-term assets at December 31, 2012. Export sales represented 7% and 6% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We may also make forward-looking statements in other reports filed with the SEC, in materials delivered to stockholders and in press releases. Such statements generally will be accompanied by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," or other similar words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

•

Volatility in the marketplace which may affect market supply and demand of our products;



•

Increased competition;



•

Changes in the reliability and efficiency of our operating facilities or those of third parties;



•

Risks related to availability of labor;



•

Increase in certain raw material costs such as copper and oil;

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•

Commodity and energy cost instability;



•

General economic, financial and business conditions that could affect our financial condition and results of operations

        The factors identified above are believed to be important factors (but not necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by us. Discussion of these factors is also incorporated in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors", and should be considered an integral part of Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed herein could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the forgoing cautionary statements. We undertake no obligations to update publicly any forward-looking statement (or its associated cautionary language) whether as a result of new information or future events.

ITEM 1A.        RISK FACTORS

        In evaluating our company, careful consideration should be given to the following risk factors, in addition to the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and/or financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our common stock. In addition to the following disclosures, please refer to the other information contained in this report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes.

The economic conditions in the United States and around the world could adversely affect our financial results.

        Demand for our products and services depends upon worldwide economic conditions, including but not limited to overall economic growth rates, construction, consumer spending, financing availability, employment rates, interest rates, inflation, consumer confidence, defense spending levels, and the profits, capital spending, and liquidity of industrial companies.

We operate in the highly competitive EMS industry.

        We compete against many EMS companies. The larger global competitors have more resources and greater economies of scale. We also compete with OEM in-house operations that are continually evaluating manufacturing products internally against the advantages of outsourcing. We may also be at a competitive disadvantage with respect to price when compared to manufacturers with excess capacity, lower cost structures and availability of lower cost labor.

        The availability of excess manufacturing capacity of our competitors also creates competitive pressure on price and winning new business. We must continue to provide a quality product, be responsive and flexible to customers' requirements, and deliver to customers' expectations. Our lack of execution could have an adverse effect on our operations.

A large percentage of our sales have been made to a small number of customers, and the loss of a major customer, if not replaced, would adversely affect us.

        Our largest customer has two divisions that account for 24% and 23% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We are dependent on suppliers for electronic components and may experience shortages, extended lead times, cost premiums and shipment delays that would adversely affect our customers and us.

        We purchase raw materials, commodities and components for use in our production. Increased costs of these materials could have an adverse effect on our production costs if we are unable to pass along price increases or reduce the other cost of goods produced through cost improvement initiatives. Fuel and energy cost increases could also adversely affect our freight and operating costs. Due to customer specifications and requirements, we are dependent on suppliers to provide critical electronic components and materials for our operations that could result in shortages of some of the electronic components needed for their production. Component shortages may result in expedited freight, overtime premiums and increased component costs. In addition to the financial impact on operations from lost revenue and increased cost, there could potentially be harm to our customer relationships.

Our customers cancel orders, change order quantity, timing and specifications that if not managed would have an adverse affect on inventory carrying costs.

        We do face, through the normal course of business, customer cancellations and rescheduled orders and are not always successful in recovering the costs of such cancellations or rescheduling. In addition, excess and

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obsolete inventory losses as a result of customer order changes, cancellations, product changes and contract termination could have an adverse effect on our operations. We estimate and reserve for any known or potential impact from these possibilities.

Some shareholders may be able to take actions that do not reflect the will or best interests of other shareholders.

        Our officers and directors own a majority share of our outstanding common stock and could individually or together exert a significant degree of influence over our affairs.

The manufacture and sale of our products carries potential risk for product liability claims.

        We represent and warrant the goods and services we deliver are free from defects in material and workmanship for one year from ship date. We make no other guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, of any nature whatsoever as to the goods including without limitation, warranties to merchantability, fit for a particular purpose, non-infringement of patent or the like unless agreed upon in writing. If a product liability claim results in our being liable and the amount is in excess of our insurance coverage or there is no insurance coverage for the claim then it could have an adverse effect on our business and financial position.

We depend heavily on our people and may from time to time have difficulty attracting and retaining skilled employees.

        Our operations depend upon the continued contributions of our key management, marketing, technical, financial, accounting, product development engineers, sales people and operational personnel. We also believe that our continued success will depend upon our ability to attract, retain and develop highly skilled managerial and technical resources within the highly competitive EMS industry. Not being able to attract or retain these employees could have a material adverse effect on revenues and earnings.

Operating in foreign countries exposes our operations to risks that could adversely affect our operating results.

        We operate a manufacturing facility in Mexico. Our operation there is subject to risks that could adversely impact our financial results, such as economic or political volatility, crime, severe weather, employee turnover, staffing, managing personnel in diverse culture, labor instability, transportation delays, and foreign currency fluctuations.

Non-compliance with environmental laws may result in restrictions and could adversely affect operations.

        Our operations are regulated under a number of federal, state, and foreign environmental and safety laws and regulations that govern the discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water, as well as the handling, storage, and disposal of such materials. These laws and regulations include the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; as well as analogous state and foreign laws. Compliance with these environmental laws is a major consideration for us due to our manufacturing processes and materials. It is possible we may be subject to potential financial liability for costs associated with the investigation and remediation at our sites; this may have an adverse effect on operations. We have not incurred significant costs related to compliance with environmental laws and regulations and we believe that our operations comply with all applicable environmental laws.

        Environmental laws could also become more stringent over time, imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with violation. We operate in environmentally sensitive locations and are subject to potentially conflicting and changing regulatory agendas of political, business, and environmental groups. Changes or restrictions on discharge limits; emissions levels; or material storage, handling, or disposal might require a high level of unplanned capital investment or relocation. It is possible that environmental compliance costs and penalties from new or existing regulations may harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We may be subject to risks associated with our acquisitions, and the risks could adversely affect our operating results.

        Our strategy is to grow our business organically and through acquisitions, alliances and joint venture arrangements. We will continue to pursue and acquire additional businesses in the EMS industry that fit our long-term objectives for growth and profitability. The success of our acquisitions will depend on our ability to integrate the new operations with the existing operations.

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If we fail to comply with the covenants contained in our credit agreement we may be unable to secure additional financing and repayment obligations on our outstanding indebtedness may be accelerated.

        Our credit agreement contains financial and operating covenants with which we must comply. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with these covenants. However, our continued compliance with these covenants is dependent on our financial results, which are subject to fluctuation as described elsewhere in these risk factors. If we fail to comply with the covenants in the future or if our lender does not agree to waive any future non-compliance, we may be unable to borrow funds and any outstanding indebtedness could become immediately due and payable, which could materially harm our business.

We are dependent on our management information systems for order, inventory and production management, financial reporting, communications and other functions. If our information systems fail or experience major interruptions, our business and our financial results could be adversely affected.

        We rely on our management information systems to effectively manage our operational and financial functions. Our computer systems, Internet web sites, telecommunications, and data networks are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from power loss, natural disasters and attacks from viruses or hackers. These types of system failures or interruption could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Our business may be impacted by natural disasters.

        Tornadoes, blizzards and other natural disasters could negatively impact our business and supply chain. In countries that we rely on for operations and materials, such as Mexico, China and Thailand, potential natural disasters could disrupt our manufacturing operations, reduce demand for our customers' products and increase supply chain costs.

ITEM 1B.        UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

ITEM 2.        PROPERTIES

ADMINISTRATION

        Our Corporate Headquarters consists of approximately 5,000 square feet located in Wayzata, Minnesota, a western suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Corporate Headquarters has a lease with a five-year term that expires on July 31, 2015. A portion of the Bemidji facility is used for corporate financial and information systems shared services.

MANUFACTURING FACILITIES

        Our manufacturing facilities as described below are in good operating condition and are suitable for our needs. We believe our overall production capacity is sufficient to handle our foreseeable manufacturing needs and customer requirements.

        In December 2011, we sold a 16,000 square foot building in Fairmont, Minnesota. We still own one building in Fairmont which contains approximately 21,000 square feet and is classified as held for sale.

        In December 2012, we purchased a 58,000 square foot building in Mankato, Minnesota which we had previously leased from Winland Electronics.

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ITEM 3.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        From time to time, we are involved in ordinary, routine or regulatory legal proceedings incidental to the business. When a loss is deemed probable and reasonably estimable an amount is recorded in our financial statements. We currently are not a party to any material legal proceeding.

ITEM 4.        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

        Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.        MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

        As of February 28, 2013, there were 772 shareholders of record. Our stock is listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") Capital Market under the symbol "NSYS". We intend to invest our profits into the growth of our operations and, therefore, do not plan to pay out dividends to shareholders in the foreseeable future. We did not declare or pay a cash dividend in 2012 or 2011. Future dividend policy and payments, if any, will depend upon earnings and our financial condition, our need for funds, any limitations on payments of dividends present in our current or future debt agreements, and other factors.

        Stock price comparisons (NASDAQ):

        Sales of Unregistered Securities:

        We did not have any unregistered sales of equity securities in 2012.

        Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers:

        We did not make any purchases of our equity securities in 2012.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

        Certain information with respect to our equity compensation plans are contained in Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 6.        SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

ITEM 7.        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

        We are a Wayzata, Minnesota based full-service EMS contract manufacturer of wire and cable assemblies, printed circuit board assemblies, higher-level assemblies and box builds for a wide range of industries. We serve three major markets within the EMS industry: Aerospace and Defense, Medical, and the Industrial market which includes industrial equipment, transportation, vision, agriculture, oil and gas. In Minnesota, we have facilities in Baxter, Bemidji, Blue Earth, Mankato, Merrifield, Milaca and Wayzata. We also have facilities in Augusta, Wisconsin and Monterrey, Mexico.

        The vast majority of our revenue is derived from products built to the customer's design specifications following a wide range of manufacturing process, from simple to highly complex. During 2012, we continued our supply chain and lean manufacturing initiatives designed to reduce costs, improve asset utilization and increase responsiveness to customers. Our initiatives focused on improving quality and on-time delivery as well as improving our manufacturing processes and yields by doing it right the first time. Our goal is to expand and diversify our customer base by focusing on sales and marketing efforts that fit our value-added service strategy. Our Mexico operation allows for lower cost production alternatives when the opportunities are presented.

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        Our net sales in 2012 were $106.9 million, a decrease of 6% compared to 2011. The lower revenue was largely caused by shortfalls in sales and orders from our existing industrial customers that are being hit the hardest by the uncertainty in the economy. Our customers are still wary about carrying large amounts of inventory and their ability to accurately forecast future demand.

        Our 90-day backlog at December 31, 2012 was $18.3 million, compared to $18.5 million at the end of 2011. Total backlog was flat but there were significant fluctuations within the Medical and Industrial markets. Medical backlog was up 24%, Defense backlog was relatively flat, down only 2%, and Industrial backlog was down 17%.

        Our gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 11.6% and 11.7% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Gross profit percentage was negatively impacted by the underutilization of plant capacity and lower volume, largely offset by favorable product mix and cost reductions.

        Income from operations totaled $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Our net income in 2012 was $0.6 million or $0.23 per diluted common share. Net income totaled $1.2 million or $0.43 per diluted common share in 2011; $0.7 million or $0.24 per diluted common share excluding the bargain purchase gain of $0.5 million, net of tax, resulting from the Winland acquisition.

        Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $4.6 million. The cash provided in 2012 came from profits, depreciation, a strong collection year in accounts receivables and a reduction in inventory spending compared to the prior year. Cash used in operating activities for the year ended 2011 was $0.9 million. The cash used in 2011 was needed to fund the working capital needs of our Winland acquisition, including significant inventory purchases. We believe our financing arrangements and anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs through the foreseeable future.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

        Our significant accounting policies and estimates are summarized in the footnotes to our annual consolidated financial statements. Some of the accounting policies require us to exercise significant judgment in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. Such judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on historical experience, known trends in the industry, terms of existing contracts and other information from outside sources, as appropriate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Certain of the most critical estimates that require significant judgment are as follows:

Revenue Recognition:

        We recognize revenue upon shipment of manufactured products to customers, when title has passed, all contractual obligations have been satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. We also provide engineering services separate from the manufacture of a product. Revenue for engineering services is recognized upon completion of the engineering process, providing standalone fair value to our customers. Our engineering services are short-term in nature. In addition, we have another separate source of revenue that comes from short-term repair services, which are recognized upon completion of the repairs, and the repaired products are shipped back to the customer. Shipping and handling costs charged to our customers are included in net sales, while the corresponding shipping expenses are included in cost of goods sold.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

        When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, we analyze accounts receivable, historical write-offs of bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts at an amount estimated to be sufficient to provide adequate protection against losses resulting from collecting less than full payment on outstanding accounts receivable. A considerable amount of judgment is required when assessing the realizability of accounts receivable, including assessing the probability of collection and the current credit-worthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of our customers was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional provision for uncollectible accounts may be required. We have historically not experienced significant bad debts expense and believe the reserve is adequate for any exposure to loss in the December 31, 2012 accounts receivable.

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Inventory Reserves:

        Inventory reserves are maintained for the estimated value of the inventory that may have a lower value than stated or quantities in excess of future production needs. We have an evaluation process that is used to assess the value of the inventory that is slow moving, excess or obsolete on a quarterly basis. We evaluate our inventory based on current usage and the latest forecasts of product demand and production requirements from our customers. We believe the total reserve at December 31, 2012 is adequate.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment:

        We evaluate long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, as well as the related amortization periods, whenever current events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability for assets to be held and used is based on our projection of the undiscounted future operating cash flows of the underlying assets. To the extent such projections indicate that future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts of related assets, a charge might be required to reduce the carrying amount to equal estimated fair value. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to dispose. We recorded impairment charges in 2012 and 2011 of $127,000 and $53,000, respectively. The impairment charges in 2012 and 2011 relate to buildings held for sale in Fairmont, MN.

Valuation Allowance:

        We record valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets when necessary. Realization of deferred tax assets (such as state net operating loss carry forwards) is dependent on future taxable earnings and therefore uncertain. At least quarterly, we assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance against these assets, thereby increasing income tax expense or decreasing the income tax benefit in the period the determination is made. As of December 31, 2012, we expect to recover our deferred tax assets in their entirety, and thus no valuation allowance was deemed necessary.

        Based on a critical assessment of our accounting estimates and the underlying judgments and uncertainties of those estimates, we believe that our consolidated financial statements provide a meaningful and fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. This is not to suggest that other general risk factors, such as changes in worldwide economic conditions, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in materials costs, performance of acquired businesses and others, could not adversely impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

        No matters have come to our attention since December 31, 2012 that would cause the estimates included in the consolidated financial statements to change materially.

OPERATING RESULTS

        The following table presents our statements of income data as percentages of net sales for the indicated year:

Net sales:

        For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had net sales of $106.9 million and $114.2 million, respectively, a decrease of 6%. Net sales by our major EMS industry markets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

        Net sales to our Aerospace and Defense and Medical customers are down slightly compared to 2011 levels. The Defense markets and programs continue to feel the effects of funding and potential budget cuts, while the Medical markets were adjusting to new regulations resulting from the new health care act. The decrease in

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sales to the Industrial market relates to uncertainty in the overall economy.

Backlog:

        Our 90 day backlog was approximately $18.3 million on December 31, 2012, compared to $18.5 million at December 31, 2011. Our backlog consists of firm purchase orders and we expect a major portion of the current 90 day backlog to be realized as revenue during the following quarter. As we end the year we are getting mixed results. Our Aerospace and Defense backlog is flat, our Medical backlog is experiencing increased activity with our medical device customers and our Industrial backlog is down due to continued economic pressures.

        Our 90 day backlog varies due to order size, manufacturing delays, inventory programs, contract terms and conditions and timing from customer delivery schedules and releases. These variables cause inconsistencies in comparing the backlog from one period to the next.

Gross Profit:

        For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had gross profit of $12.4 million and $13.3 million, respectively. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 11.6% and 11.7% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Gross profit percentage was negatively impacted by the underutilization of plant capacities and lower volume, largely offset by favorable product mix and cost reductions.

Selling:

        Selling expenses were $4.3 million or 4.0% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 and $3.6 million or 3.2% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our selling expenses are up slightly as we continue to invest in business development infrastructure and marketing initiatives in an effort to stimulate sales.

General and Administrative:

        General and administrative expenses were $6.6 million or 6.2% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 and $8.2 million or 7.2% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. In 2012, select personnel were redeployed into different roles within the organization to support manufacturing and sales functions and additional budget cuts were implemented as a result of the lower customer demand.

Other Income (Expense):

        Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 was approximately $0.5 million, while other income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was approximately $0.2 million. Other expense in 2012 is primarily due to interest expense. Other income in 2011 relates to recognizing a bargain purchase gain of $0.8 million from the acquisition of the Mankato operation in the first quarter of 2011, offset in part by interest expense and foreign exchange transaction losses.

Income Taxes:

        Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 and 2011 was 32.1% and 32.0%, respectively.

Net Income:

        Our net income in 2012 was $0.6 million or $0.23 per diluted common share. Net income in 2011 was $1.2 million or $0.43 per diluted common share; $0.7 million or $0.24 per diluted common share excluding the bargain purchase gain of $0.5 million, net of tax.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        We believe that our existing financing arrangements and anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt repayments for the foreseeable future.

Credit Facility:

        On May 2, 2012 we entered into the fourth amendment to the third amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank (WFB). The credit agreement with WFB provided for a line of credit arrangement of $13.5 million, which expires if not

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renewed, on May 31, 2015. The credit arrangement also provided a $1.8 million real estate term note with a maturity date of March 31, 2027 which replaced the $0.9 million real estate term note that was to expire on May 31, 2012, and a new term loan of up to $2.0 million for capital expenditures to be made prior to December 31, 2013 with a maturity date of December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2012 we've used $0.9 million of the $2.0 million capital term note.

        On December 31, 2012 in connection with our purchase of the Mankato building from Winland, we again amended our credit agreement with WFB to include an additional $1.7 million real estate term note that expires if not renewed on May 31, 2015. The purchase of the building was funded through our line of credit which was paid down when the new real estate term note was funded on January 9, 2013.

        The credit agreement contains certain covenants which, among other things, require us to adhere to regular reporting requirements, abide by annual shareholder dividend limitations, maintain certain financial performance, and limit the amount of annual capital expenditures. The availability under the line is subject to borrowing base requirements, and advances are at the discretion of the lender. The line is secured by substantially all of our assets. This commitment is summarized as described below:

        As of December 31, 2012 we have net unused availability under our line of credit agreement of approximately $2.9 million as supported by our borrowing base.

        Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

        On December 31, 2012, we had working capital of approximately $12.6 million compared to $12.3 million at the end of 2011. During 2012, we generated approximately $4.6 million of cash from operating activities mainly due to profits and the noncash addback of depreciation, a strong collection year in accounts receivable and a reduction in inventory spending compared to the prior year which resulted in a $3.1 million reduction in accounts receivable and a $1.4 million decrease in inventories.

        Our net cash used in investing activities of $4.4 million is due primarily to the purchase of property and equipment. The purchase of the Mankato building we were previously leasing accounted for $2.65 million of these purchases.

        Net cash used in financing activities of $0.2 million consisted of a $1.4 million decrease in the line of credit and $0.5 million of payments on long-term debt, offset by $1.7 million of additional borrowings.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

ITEM 8.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        (The remainder of this page was intentionally left blank.)

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ McGladrey LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 8, 2013

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 1 NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

        We manufacture wire harnesses, cables and electromechanical assemblies, printed circuit boards and higher-level assemblies for a wide range of medical, commercial and defense industries. We provide a full "turn-key" contract manufacturing service to our customers. All products are built to the customer's design specifications. We also provide engineering services separate from the manufacture of a product and repair service on circuit boards used in machines in the medical industry.

        Our manufacturing facilities are located in Bemidji, Blue Earth, Merrifield, Milaca, Mankato and Baxter, Minnesota as well as Augusta, Wisconsin and Monterrey, Mexico. Products are sold to customers both domestically and internationally.

        A summary of our significant accounting policies follows:

Principles of Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiary, Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the valuation allowance for inventories, allowance for doubtful accounts, realizability of deferred tax assets and impairment of long-lived assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        We grant credit to customers in the normal course of business. Accounts receivable are unsecured and are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for uncollectible accounts was $157,000 and $122,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, our previous loss history, the customers' current ability to pay their obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. We write-off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for uncollectible accounts.

Inventories

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market (based on the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value). Costs include material, labor, and overhead required in the warehousing and production of our products. Inventory reserves are maintained for the estimated value of the inventories that may have a lower value than stated or quantities in excess of future production needs.

        Inventories are as follows:

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 1 NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Property, Equipment and Depreciation

        Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements and major renewals are capitalized, while maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated use lives or their remaining lease terms. All other property and equipment are depreciated by the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

        Property and equipment at December 31, 2012 and 2011:

        Assets held for sale consist of property related to closed facilities that are currently being marketed for disposal. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell and are no longer being depreciated.

        At December 31, 2012, land of $12,500 and one building, net of accumulated depreciation, of $117,003 are classified as held for sale and shown in Other Assets on the balance sheet.

        At December 31, 2011, land of $12,500 and one building, net of accumulated depreciation, of $244,003 were classified as held for sale and shown in Other Assets on the balance sheet.

Finite Life Intangible Assets

        Finite life intangible assets remaining are primarily related to bond issuance costs and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Finite life intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 1 NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Amortization expense related to these assets was as follows:

        Estimated future annual amortization expense for the remaining assets is $5,000 per year through 2021 when the related bond matures.

Impairment Analysis

        We evaluate long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, as well as the related depreciation periods, whenever current events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability for assets to be held and used is based on our projection of the undiscounted future operating cash flows of the underlying assets. To the extent such projections indicate that future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts of related assets, a charge might be required to reduce the carrying amount to equal estimated fair value. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to dispose. We recorded impairment charges in 2012 and 2011 of $127,000 and $53,000, respectively, which related to our assets held for sale and have been included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of income.

Preferred Stock

        Preferred stock issued is non-cumulative and nonconvertible. The holders of the preferred stock are entitled to a non-cumulative dividend of 12% when and as declared. In liquidation, holders of preferred stock have preference to the extent of $1.00 per share plus dividends accrued but unpaid. No preferred stock dividends were declared or paid during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Revenue Recognition

        We recognize revenue upon shipment of manufactured products to customers, when title has passed, all contractual obligations have been satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. We also provide engineering services separate from the manufacture of a product. Revenue for engineering services, which are short-term in nature, is recognized upon completion of the engineering process, providing standalone fair value to our customers. In addition, we have another separate source of revenue that comes from short-term repair services, which are recognized upon completion of the repairs, and the repaired products are shipped back to the customer. Shipping and handling costs charged to our customers are included in net sales, while the corresponding shipping expenses are included in cost of goods sold.

Business Combinations

        We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 805, "Business Combinations". We recognize amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed equal to their estimated acquisition date fair values. We hired a third party valuation specialist to assist management in determining the value of property and equipment acquired. Transaction and integration costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. Any excess of the acquisition price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill while any excess of the estimated fair value of net assets acquired over the acquisition price is recorded in current earnings as a gain.

Product Warranties

        We provide limited warranty for the replacement or repair of defective product at no cost to our customers within a specified time period after the sale. We make no other guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, of any nature whatsoever as to the goods including, without limitation, warranties to merchantability, fit for a particular purpose or non-infringement of patent or the like unless agreed upon in writing. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our limited warranty and reserve based on actual historical warranty claims coupled with an analysis of unfulfilled claims at the balance sheet date. Our warranty claims costs are not material given the nature of our products and services.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 1 NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Advertising

        Advertising costs are charged to operations as incurred. The total amount charged to expense was $219,000 and $157,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income Taxes

        We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized annually for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The carrying amounts of all financial instruments approximate their fair values. The carrying amounts for cash, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and the line of credit approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities, the carrying value of our long-term debt approximates its fair value.

Stock-Based Compensation

        We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense was $0 for 2012 and $27,000 for 2011. See Note 6 for additional information.

Net Income Per Common Share

        Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Dilutive net income per common share assumes the exercise and issuance of all potential common stock equivalents in computing the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, unless their effect is antidilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, no outstanding options were included in the computation of dilutive per-share amounts as the effect of all outstanding stock-based awards were antidilutive.

Enterprise-Wide Disclosures

        Our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 represent a single reportable segment referred to as Contract Manufacturing within the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry. We strategically direct production between our various manufacturing facilities based on a number of considerations to best meet our customers' requirements. We share resources for sales, marketing, engineering, supply chain, information services, human resources, payroll and all corporate accounting functions. Consolidated financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in assessing performance and allocating resources.

        Export sales represent approximately 7% and 6% of consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

        Net sales by our major EMS industry markets for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 1 NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        Noncurrent assets, excluding deferred taxes, by country are as follows:

Foreign Currency Transactions

        Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses attributable to exchange rate movements related to transactions made in the local currency and on intercompany receivables and payables not deemed to be of a long-term investment nature are recorded in other income (expense).

NOTE 2 MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

        Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. With regard to cash, we maintain our excess cash balances in checking accounts at one high-credit quality financial institution. These accounts may at times exceed federally insured limits. We do not require collateral on our accounts receivable.

        Our largest customer has two divisions and accounted for 10% or more of our net sales during the past two years. One division accounted for 17% and 16% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The other division accounted for 7% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Together, they accounted for 24% and 23% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Accounts receivable from both divisions at December 31, 2012 and 2011 represented 15% and 17% of total accounts receivable, respectively.

NOTE 3 FINANCING AGREEMENTS

        On May 2, 2012 we entered into the fourth amendment to the third amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank (WFB). The credit agreement with WFB provides for a line of credit arrangement of $13.5 million, which expires if not renewed, on May 31, 2015. The credit arrangement also provides a $1.8 million real estate term note with a maturity date of March 31, 2027 which replaced the $0.9 million real estate term note that was to expire on May 31, 2012, and a new term loan of up to $2.0 million for capital expenditures to be made prior to December 31, 2013 with a maturity date of December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2012 we've used $0.9 million of the $2.0 million capital term loan.

        On December 31, 2012 in connection with our purchase of the Mankato building from Winland we again amended our credit agreement with WFB to include an additional $1.7 million real estate term note that expires if not renewed on May 31, 2015. The purchase of the building was funded through our line of credit which was paid down when the new real estate term note was funded on January 9, 2013.

        Under the agreement, both the line of credit and real estate term note are subject to variations in the LIBOR rate. Our line of credit bears interest at three-month LIBOR + 2.75% (3.00% at December 31, 2012) while our real estate term note bears interest at three-month LIBOR + 3.25% (3.5% at December 31, 2012). The weighted-average interest rate on our line of credit and real estate term note were 3.71% and 4.00%, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2012. We had borrowings on our line of credit of $7,923,487 and $9,345,044 outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

        The credit agreement contains certain covenants which, among other things, require us to adhere to regular reporting requirements, abide by annual shareholder dividend limitations, maintain certain financial performance, and limit the amount of annual capital expenditures.

        The availability under the line is subject to borrowing base requirements, and advances are at the discretion of the lender. At December 31, 2012, we have net unused availability under our line of credit of approximately $2.9 million. The line is secured by substantially all of our assets.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 3 FINANCING AGREEMENTS (Continued)

A summary of long-term debt balances at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

        Future maturity requirements for long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2012, are as follows:

        The subsequent financing of the new real estate term note will increase the future maturity amounts above by approximately $112,000 in both 2013 and 2014 and $1,450,000 in 2015.

NOTE 4 INCOME TAXES

        The income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following:

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 4 INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The statutory rate reconciliation for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

        Income from operations before income taxes was derived from the following sources:

        Deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, consist of the following:

        The net deferred taxes summarized above have been classified on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

        We have determined that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized, principally through anticipated taxable income in future tax years. As a result, we have determined that establishing a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets is not necessary.

        The tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in our consolidated financial statements, only if the position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The following table sets forth changes in our total gross unrecognized tax benefit liabilities, excluding accrued interest, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

        The $140,000 of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 includes amounts which, if ultimately recognized, will reduce our annual effective tax rate. It is included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

        Our policy is to accrue interest related to potential underpayment of income taxes within the provision for income taxes. The liability for accrued interest as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was not significant. Interest is computed on the difference between our uncertain tax benefit positions and the amount deducted or expected to be deducted in our tax returns.

        We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.

        With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2009.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 5 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN

        We have a 401(k) profit sharing plan (the "Plan") for our employees. The Plan is a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of our U.S. employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan after completing three months of service and attaining the age of 18. Employees are allowed to contribute up to 60% of their wages to the Plan. Historically we have matched 25% of the employees' contribution up to 6% of covered compensation. We made contributions of approximately $190,000 and $196,000 during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

NOTE 6 INCENTIVE PLANS

Employee Profit Sharing

        During 1993, we adopted an employee profit sharing plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to provide a bonus for increased output, improved quality and productivity and reduced costs. We have authorized 50,000 common shares to be available under this Plan. In accordance with the terms of the Plan, employees could acquire newly issued shares of common stock for 90% of the current market value. During 2012 and 2011 no common shares were issued in connection with this plan. Through December 31, 2012, 22,118 common shares had been issued under this Plan.

Stock Options

        During 2003, our shareholders approved the adoption of the Nortech Systems Incorporated 2003 Stock Option Plan (the "2003 Plan"). On May 3, 2005, the shareholders approved the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2005 Plan") and eliminated the remaining 172,500 option shares available for grant under the 2003 Plan effective February 23, 2005. The total number of shares of common stock that may be granted under the 2005 Plan is 200,000, of which 34,250 remain available for grant at December 31, 2012. The 2005 Plan provides that option shares granted come from our authorized but unissued common stock. The price of the option shares granted under the plan will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common shares on the date of grant. Options are generally exercisable after one or more years and expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant.

        During 2007, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the FOCUS Incentive Plan (the "2007 Plan"). The purpose of the 2007 Plan was to provide incentives to our employees to increase our return on sales "ROS" performance measurement. The FOCUS plan was unique from the preceding Plans in that vesting of options was conditional upon our achievement of established performance measurements which were not met and therefore, no options granted from the 2007 Plan could ever vest. In January 2012, the Board of Directors terminated the 2007 FOCUS Incentive Plan and as a result all 319,600 outstanding options under this plan were cancelled.

        We estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of income over the requisite service periods. Because share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, share-based compensation expense will be reduced to account for estimated forfeitures. We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise the estimate, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

        We used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of option-based awards. Our determination of fair value of option-based awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of subjective variables as noted in the following table. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, risk-free interest rate, and the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate is based on a treasury instrument whose term is consistent with the expected life of our stock options. The expected volatility and holding period are based on our historical experience. For all grants, the amount of compensation expense recognized has been adjusted for an estimated forfeiture rate, which is based on historical data. There were no grants during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Stock Options with Time-Based Vesting

        Total compensation expense related to stock options with time-based vesting for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0 and $27,044, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 there was no unrecognized compensation expense as all time-based options have vested.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 6 INCENTIVE PLANS (Continued)

        A summary of option activity under all plans as of December 31, 2012, and changes during the year then ended is presented below.

        There were no grants during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The weighted average fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $0 and $2.64, respectively. There were no options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Equity Appreciation Rights Plan

        In November 2010, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Nortech Systems Incorporated Equity Appreciation Rights Plan (the "2010 Plan"). The total number of Equity Appreciation Right Units (Units) the Plan can issue shall not exceed an aggregate of 750,000 Units, of which 100,000 Units were issued during the year ended December 31, 2010. On March 7, 2012, we granted an additional 250,000 Units with redemption dates ranging from December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2016. On February 13, 2013, we granted an additional 350,000 units with redemption dates ranging from December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2019.

        The 2010 Plan provides that Units issued shall fully vest three years from the grant date unless terminated earlier. Units give the holder a right to receive a cash payment equal to the appreciation in book value per share of common stock from the base date, as defined, to the redemption date. Unit redemption payments under this plan shall be paid in cash within 90 days after we determine the book value as of the redemption date.

        Total compensation expense related to these Units based on the estimated appreciation over their remaining terms was $39,000 and $57,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $101,000 and $62,000 have been accrued under this plan, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $86,000 of this balance is included in Other Accrued Liabilities as it will be paid within 12 months. The remaining $15,000 balance at December 31, 2012 and all of the balance at December 31, 2011 are included in Other Long-Term Liabilities.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 7 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

        We have various operating leases for production and office equipment, office space, and buildings under non-cancelable lease agreements expiring on various dates through 2016.

        Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately $759,000 and $1,006,000 respectively.

        Approximate future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

Litigation

        We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect our consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

Executive Life Insurance Plan

        During 2002, we set up an Executive Bonus Life Insurance Plan (the "Plan") for our key employees ("participants"). Pursuant to the Plan, we will pay a bonus to officer participants of 15% and a bonus to all other participants of 10% of the participants' base annual salary, as well as an additional bonus to cover federal and state taxes incurred by the participants. The participants are required to purchase life insurance and retain ownership of the life insurance policy once it is purchased. The Plan provides a five-year graded vesting schedule in which the participants vest at a rate of 20% each year. Should a participant terminate employment prior to the fifth year of vesting, that participant may be required to reimburse us for any unvested amounts, under certain circumstances. Expenses under the Plan were $341,000 and $327,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Change of Control Agreements

        During 2002, we entered into Change of Control Agreements (the "Agreement(s)") with certain key executives ("the Executive(s)"). The Agreements provide an inducement for each Executive to remain as an employee in the event of any proposed or anticipated change of control in the organization, including facilitating an orderly transition, and to provide economic security for the Executive after a change in control has occurred.

        In the event of an involuntarily termination, each Executive would receive their base salary, annual bonus at time of termination, and continued participation in health, disability and life insurance plans for a period of three years for officers and two years for all other participants. Participants would also receive professional outplacement services up to $10,000, if applicable. Each Agreement remains in full force until the Executive terminates employment or we terminate the employment of the Executive.

NOTE 8 BUSINESS ACQUISITION

        On January 1, 2011, we completed the purchase of certain assets and certain liabilities relating to Winland Electronics, Inc.'s EMS operations (Winland) located in Mankato, MN. Winland is a designer and manufacturer of custom electronic control products and systems. This purchase provided needed manufacturing capacity, particularly for supporting medical and industrial customers with printed circuit board assemblies and higher-level builds. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and results of operations since the date of acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements.

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

NOTE 8 BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Continued)

        The following table presents the allocation of the acquisition cost to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values at the time of the acquisition:

        We recognized a $791,615 bargain purchase gain related to the excess fair value over the purchase price for the assets acquired in the first quarter of 2011.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Supplementary Information

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary

        Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated March 8, 2013, (included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary, listed in Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K. This schedule is the responsibility of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits of the consolidated financial statements.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ MCGLADREY LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 8, 2013

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NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

SCHEDULE II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

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ITEM 9.        CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None.

ITEM 9A.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company's management evaluated, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and the President, Chief Operating and Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the board of directors regarding the effectiveness of our internal control processes over the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

        All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

        We have assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Changes in Internal Controls

        There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.        OTHER INFORMATION

        None.

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PART III

ITEM 10.        DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        Information regarding the directors and executive officers of the Registrant will be included in the Registrant's 2012 proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year, and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11.        EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        Information regarding executive compensation of the Registrant will be included in the Registrant's 2012 proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year, and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.        SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management of the Registrant will be included in the Registrant's 2012 proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year, and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.

        Information regarding executive compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) as of the end of the last fiscal year, on two categories of equity compensation plans (that is, plans that have been approved by security holders and plans that have not been approved by security holders) will be included in the Registrant's 2012 proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year, and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.

        The following table provides information about our equity compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) as of December 31, 2012.

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ITEM 13.        CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

        The information required by this Item will be included in the Registrant's 2012 proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year, and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.        PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        The information required by this Item will be included in the Registrant's 2012 proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year, and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15.        EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES

          All other schedules are omitted because the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.